Disputes & Litigation Solicitors

Civil disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence, and court proceedings.

4,351 firms specialise in disputes & litigation

About Disputes & Litigation

Civil disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence, and court proceedings.

What to Expect

Assessment of the merits of your case
Pre-action correspondence and negotiation
Preparation of court documents and evidence
Representation at court hearings
Advice on settlement offers
Enforcement of court judgments

Common Questions

How much does it cost to go to court?

Court costs include solicitor fees (typically £200-£500 per hour), court issue fees (£35-£10,000 depending on claim value), and potentially barrister fees. Small claims (under £10,000) are designed to be affordable, while high-value claims can cost tens of thousands. Your solicitor can provide a costs estimate at the outset.

How long does a civil court case take?

Small claims typically take 6-12 months from issue to hearing. Fast-track claims (£10,000-£25,000) usually take 9-12 months. Multi-track claims (over £25,000) can take 12-24 months or longer. Pre-action negotiation can resolve disputes much faster.

What are the alternatives to going to court?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) includes mediation (a neutral mediator helps parties reach agreement), arbitration (a private judge makes a binding decision), and early neutral evaluation. Courts actively encourage ADR, and refusing to consider it can result in costs penalties even if you win your case.

What happens if I lose my court case?

If you lose, you will typically be ordered to pay the other side's reasonable legal costs in addition to your own. In small claims cases, costs recovery is very limited. Your solicitor should advise you on the risks and potential costs exposure before proceedings are issued.

Can I get legal aid for a civil dispute?

Legal aid for civil cases is very limited since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. It is generally only available for housing disrepair, debt where your home is at risk, domestic violence-related matters, and some discrimination cases. Your solicitor can advise whether you qualify.